Persistent Pursuit of Jesus

Luke 18:7–8 “7 And will not God give justice to his elect, who cry to him day and night? Will he delay long over them? 8 I tell you, he will give justice to them speedily. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?

People are in pursuit of many different things. Life can be loud and chaotic, so there are those who say they want a little bit of “peace and quiet, ” and they endeavor to find it whenever and wherever they can. Many people feel the privilege others experience diminishes them or others, and in turn, they seek to rectify perceived wrongs by rousing protests using people and violence. Or the quest could be education, career, family, good health or a good time. The list of driving passions can get quite lengthy.

The first portion of Luke 18, Jesus shares a parable that has the purpose of inspiring His followers to go hard after God’s intervention in prayer when they face times of need. This illustrative story is about a widow who becomes the target of foul play from a dastardly individual in the community. To experience relief and justice, the woman makes endless appeals before a judge, seeking his decision to deal with her enemy. Although the judge has no sense of respect for God or man, because this woman is relentless in bringing her request, he eventually concedes to her appeals.

The point Jesus makes is that the heart of godless judge can turn through a constant quest. If this is so, then what about the people of God who find themselves in need of God’s assistance or provision? Those who know God, being aware of His power and benevolence, should be consistently seeking His activity to meet their needs and bless their lives. Why? It is because our God is not a begrudging taskmaster. He is full of compassion and concern for those He loves, and He delights to be their focus and provider.

Jesus concludes this address with an interesting question. “Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?” There will certainly be many people on planet earth when the Lord Jesus returns, and there will likely be many saying they believe in God. But the question Jesus asks seems to indicate, though professors of faith will be many, those who show their faith in God’s graciousness by persistently going hard after Him, requesting His power and provision, will be few.

What about you? Are you among those producing the fruit of God-given, genuine faith? Is your heart taking note of needs and concerns that you diligently ask God to meet? At the return of the Lord, will you be found to be in persistent pursuit of Jesus?